Types of Mesothelioma - Pleural Mesothelioma
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that causes malignant cell development in the membrane that lines various body cavities (mesothelium), including the:
- Pleura (thoracic or lung cavity): mesothelioma cancer of the pleura is called pleural mesothelioma.
- Peritoneum (abdominal or stomach cavity): mesothelioma cancer of the peritoneum is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Pericardium (heart sac): mesothelioma cancer of the pericardium is called pericardial mesothelioma.
Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can be tricky because of its long latency period (35 to 40 years). Once patients become symptomatic (typically from chronic chest pain), a doctor consultation and ensuing series of tests will help yield a positive mesothelioma diagnosis. Further testing helps determine the stage of the disease and plan a course of treatment; however, mesothelioma has often reached an advanced stage when diagnosed, limiting treatment options. Unfortunately, this leads to an average post-diagnosis survival time of one to two years.
Malignant Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Malignant mesothelioma is usually associated with exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a metamorphic mineral that was often used as an insulator in buildings, automobile parts and shipyards before its health hazards became well known (regulated by the Clean Air Act in 1970). Asbestos exposure has lead to an estimated 200,000 malignant mesothelioma deaths worldwide. Although the disease is viewed to have limited future impact in the United States (and other countries regulating asbestos use), it will continue to plague other parts of the world for years to come.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Attacking the outer lining of the thoracic cavity, pleural mesothelioma is the most common of the mesotheliomas. The onset of pleural mesothelioma can be somewhat slow compared with peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma. The most common presenting symptom is persistent pain that is localized in the chest. Pleural mesothelioma patients may also be plagued by symptoms that include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic coughing
- Weight loss / muscle wasting (cachexia)
- Fever
Pleural mesothelioma is typically detected by a fluid buildup inside the thoracic cavity (pleural space). This symptom is called pleural effusion and is often misdiagnosed as viral pneumonia. Relief from pleural effusion is achieved through thoracentesis, a medical procedure that uses a needle to remove fluid from the thoracic cavity.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Attacking the outer lining of the abdominal cavity, peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common of the mesotheliomas. Inhaled asbestos fibers can become trapped in mucous lining the trachea (windpipe) and end up being swallowed. These asbestos fibers can then pass through the intestinal walls remaining lodged in the peritoneal space.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may experience symptoms that include:
- Swelling
- Abdominal pain resulting from fluid buildup (ascites)
- Weight loss
- Blood clotting abnormalities
- Lowered red blood cell count (anemia)
- Fever
- Bowel obstruction
- Nausea and vomiting
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Attacking the outer lining of the heart sac, pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest of the mesotheliomas, but since it affects the most vital organ, it is also the most serious. As a result of its sensitive location, pericardial mesothelioma treatment options are limited.
Pericardial mesothelioma patients may have symptoms that include:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heart beat (palpitations)
- Chronic cough
- Uncomfortable breathing (dyspnea)